Preliminary Design of a LSA Aircraft Using Wind Tunnel Tests

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results concerning the design and aerodynamic calculations of a light sport aircraft (LSA). These were performed for a new lightweight, low cost, low fuel consumption and long-range aircraft. The design process was based on specific software tools as Advanced Aircraft Analysis (AAA), XFlr 5 aerodynamic and dynamic stability analysis, and Catia design, according to CS-LSA requirements. The calculations were accomplished by a series of tests performed in the wind tunnel in order to assess experimentally the aerodynamic characteristics of the airplane.

Keywords

• aircraft design
• Computer Aided Design
• aerodynamics
• wind tunnel
• wind tunnel